From setting the table the night before to using black candles on the dining table, entertainers extraordinaire share their best ideas for throwing an elegant, easy bash.

Go Overboard on the Candles

Go Overboard on the Candles

"Go heavy on the tea lights. Rather than 10, I would do 40," says designer Thom Filicia. He placed them generously around the dining room in a Designer Visions showhouse for a look that sparkles. Chairs and Bordino dining table, Thom Filicia Home for Vanguard Furniture. Karlin latern from DessinFournir.

Make a Playlist

Make a Playlist

Music is an essential part of a party atmosphere. "Play a mix, from bossa nova to big band to disco. Start mellow, build, bring it back down," says Filicia. In the showhouse's media room, James Street wing chairs from Thom Filicia Home for Vanguard flank a 24-inch Rosie Touch TV by Savant.